Some listened and when they understood, it was scary. They realized they had responsibility (as do we all).
It was the first sermon preached that we know about. Peter was speaking to a crowd of Jews on Pentecost which is why his sermon was very Jewish. In fact, he will have a special ministry to the Jews.
His message?
1) Jesus was accredited to you by miracles, wonder and signs (v. 22)
2) He was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge (v. 23)
3) You, with the help of wicked men, put him to death (v. 23)
4) God raised hm from the dead because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him (v.24)
5) His resurrection was prophesied about through David in the Psalms (v. 25-31)
6) We all are witness of Jesus’ resurrection (v. 32)
7) Jesus ascended and poured out His Spirit which is what you are seeing and hearing with people speaking your own languages (v. 33-36)
8) Jesus, whom you crucified, is Lord and Messiah
At that point their eyes were opened. They saw from Scripture the fulfillment of all these wild things they were witnessing. From the miracles of Jesus, to his death, then his resurrection, and now people speaking in other languages. But once it was aligned with the Scriptures, they got it.
But then they realized the awful truth. They had been participant in killing the Messiah, the very one they had waited millenium to arrive.
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)
Peter had an answer for them. Because Jesus had commissioned the answer prior to his ascension. Remember what he said before he was raised?
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49)
That’s how Peter knew to respond to the crowds asking what they should now do.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39).
Repentance. It all started there. Repentance was the first message of Jesus, John the Baptist, the apostles and everyone else. We have to acknowledge our sin and turn from it.
And baptism? Where do we see that? We see it commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Peter made it clear also that baptism was for ALL people.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:37).
And the purpose was for the forgiveness of sins. Through Christ, we find forgiveness. It’s why joy and generosity abounded when the 3000 repented and gave their lives to Christ.
Even David could look forward to this time and even for his own life and see it as joy (Acts 2:28).
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
The Scriptures call these new people “saved” (Acts 2:47). They were the ones who had gone from death to life.
For those who did not turn to Christ, Peter spoke fervently to them.
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation” (Acts 2:40).
The message truly is timeless. If anything, the corruption of this life is at devastating levels. The rescue remains in Jesus.
Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.
“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39).